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Eddie Mendenhall began studying piano
at four years of age. At eight years old, he performed classical
works of Schumann and Beethoven for his elementary school. Through
the help of the Monterey Jazz Festival, at the age thirteen, Eddie
discovered Jazz.
During his years at Robert Louis Stevenson High School, he began
his professional career. In 1989 and 1990, Eddie joined the Monterey
Jazz Festival High School All Star Band, under direction of Bill
Berry. The band was joined by Dizzy Gillespie at the main stage.
Through competitions and high school music festivals Eddie accumulated
several scholarships to the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
He then went on to graduate from Berklee with a Bachelor of Music
in Jazz Composition.
Eddie worked mostly in Japan for many years after graduation. He
rapidly became one of the most actively working pianists in the
country. Performances ranged from jazz clubs, major hotels, touring
the rest of Japan, and embassy parties. These experiences built
his confidence as a solo pianist, and helped him to develop his
own style.
Recent stateside projects include a trio with bassist Dan Robbins
and drummer Steve Robertson. Eddie also performs with Ray Brown's
"Great Big Band".
Eddie's compositions reveal, as a fellow musician once said, "an
intricate and soulful balance". He composes for various instrumentation
from solo piano to full ensemble.
Eddie currently teaches music at the Stevenson High School, Monterey
Peninsula College, and the Monterey Jazz Festival Summer Jazz Camp.
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